Delhi and the NCR region experienced their first winter rain of the season on Sunday, providing some relief from the escalating pollution levels. Though brief, the light rain helped reduce the smog in the area. This change in weather also indicates a forthcoming drop in temperatures, with Delhi’s mercury predicted to decrease by 2-3 degrees in the next few days. Likewise, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are expected to witness a temperature decline, while certain areas in the hill states have already recorded sub-zero temperatures.
Delhi weather update
Delhi is preparing for a sharp drop in temperatures starting December 10, with the mercury potentially reaching as low as three degrees Celsius, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This will mark the beginning of cold wave conditions, which will affect Delhi and other northern states such as Punjab, Haryana, and Western Uttar Pradesh until December 14.
Between December 12 and 14, light fog is expected, along with a slight rise in temperatures due to the influence of a mild Western Disturbance. During this time, maximum temperatures may climb to around 25 degrees Celsius, while minimum temperatures will likely range between 6 and 8 degrees. However, by December 25, a slight increase in cold is anticipated, though temperatures are expected to remain above normal for the season.
The season’s lowest minimum temperature in Delhi has been around 7 degrees Celsius, but it is set to decrease further, creating colder conditions. This drop is attributed to a combination of snowfall in the northern hills and the influence of a Western Disturbance, which may also bring light rain to the plains. Delhi had already experienced light rainfall on the evening of December 8.
Naresh Kumar, a scientist at IMD, stated, “The Western disturbance persists over central Pakistan and its surrounding areas. Light to moderate rain is expected in the Himalayas today and tomorrow, with light rain likely in Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi.”
Cold wave conditions
The onset of the cold wave is already evident across the northern belt, with Haryana’s Hisar emerging as one of the coldest locations in the region, recording a temperature of 4.7 degrees Celsius.
The weather department has advised residents to brace for the cold wave by taking necessary precautions to stay warm, particularly during the early morning and late evening hours when the chill is expected to be most intense.
Meanwhile, residents sought refuge in night shelters set up by the Delhi government amid the inclement weather on Saturday night. Shelters have been established at various locations in the national capital, including AIIMS, Lodhi Road, and Nizamuddin Flyover.
